Trailer Drawbar Toolbox - Recommendations

AnneThrope on 19/11/2021 - 15:07

Greetings.

I've recently purchased a trailer and it's rather tail-heavy so the ball weight needs to be increased, particularly when empty.
Best option seems to be a toolbox attached to the drawbar such that weight can be placed in there as required.

There's a variety of types available so I'm hoping someone out there can share their experience.

Material : plastic, aluminium or steel.
Leaning towards steel for durability and because weight isn't an issue but are others better when rust is considered?

Seal : rubber vs overlapping lip.
Rubber seems like a better seal (considering the turbulence, wheel spray and such) but a simple overlapping edge seems common; has anyone experienced issues with leakage of either type?

Lock : catch/padlock vs integrated lock.
The latter is obviously more expensive but saves the cost of buying weatherproof padlocks.

Can anyone offer useful input on their experiences (good or bad) with any specific configuration?
Any pluses or minuses to consider or things you would/wouldn't do again?

Thanks in anticipation.

Automotive

Comments

  • battler on 19/11/2021 - 15:55

    what are you planning to carry in the box? Will have a bearing on the type of seal required.

    • AnneThrope on 19/11/2021 - 16:11

      Ropes, cargo net, that sort of thing.
      As well as some of the cargo when trailer would otherwise be near empty and have low ball weight.

      Nothing valuable or irreplaceable but I'd prefer that the box have at least some seal so it doesn't just end up full of dust+water=mud.

      • battler on 19/11/2021 - 16:58

        I have something resembling this but the one in pic appears to have 5mm?? gap under the lip. Mine is a closer fit.
        I really don't do enough rain or dirt road driving to give a proper verdict on dust & water ingress, but can't say I have ever seen anything get in mine. Dirt in mine mainly comes from tent pegs and ropes and tarps and stuff.

  • Hithere on 19/11/2021 - 16:06

    Bunnings have a range of Aluminium toolboxes but if you want better quality Google for a steel fabrication company in your area and you can get a custom box built (may cost more than Bunnings though).

    • AnneThrope on 19/11/2021 - 16:14

      Yeah, places like that and Total Tools, Nubco etc. have various to choose from and some will be close enough to make fit.
      I was hoping for some real-world feedback on what works for someone else in this situation.

  • brendanm on 19/11/2021 - 17:28
    +1

    Best option seems to be a toolbox attached to the drawbar

    Best option is to move the axle.

  • pharkurnell on 19/11/2021 - 18:23

    10kg of toolbox with rope and net in it isnt going to do much for your tail heavy trailer…

    Brendan has the best option, but that aint as easy as it sounds.. if its a new trailer take it back.

  • spackbace on 19/11/2021 - 18:31

    Spare tyre or 2 mounted at the back would be heavier than the tool box…

    • AnneThrope on 19/11/2021 - 18:58

      There's already a spare mounted on the drawbar.
      Adding another is a good idea and would be plenty of weight to bring the ball weight up to a more comfortable one.

      My original plan for a toolbox would provide additional utility but the second spare would be cheaper and has its own advantages.

      Thanks for the suggestion.

  • Switchblade88 on 19/11/2021 - 18:54

    I've got both a toolbox AND my trailer spare mounted on the drawbar. No issues with snaking.

    Moving the trailer by hand is a different story though…

    • AnneThrope on 19/11/2021 - 19:16

      I can relate.

      Mine is a ute tub so the tailgate is heavy. With just the spare on the drawbar it's about zero weight at the hitch once tipped back, which is convenient for hand manoeuvres.

      It'll be a different situation once I add 20-ish kg but the ball weight is more important.

      Thanks for your input.

      • Switchblade88 on 19/11/2021 - 19:38

        My dad made a trailer with the recycled ute tub from his Hilux. Same chronic problem where it's just too heavy to balance properly, even with a massive toolbox on the front of it.

        I always considered removing the tub and rebuilding it into a box trailer, but never had the funds to buy enough steel lol

        Maybe a concrete paver and a bottle jack (for replacing a tyre, of course) might help weigh out the toolbox?

        • Catullus on 19/11/2021 - 19:52

          Maybe even pour a concrete slab with reo and bolts to fit and thickness to required weight.

        • AnneThrope on 19/11/2021 - 19:58

          Yup, this one's close - I reckon around 20kg would do it.

          Another spare wheel/tyre would be smart but finding something to 'weigh down' a toolbox shouldn't be a problem ; if all else fails, your suggestions or some jerry cans of water would be an easy answer.

  • Euphemistic on 19/11/2021 - 20:32

    Just make sure you don’t compromise your turning circle by getting a box that’s too wide or too far forward.

    I put a bike rack on a draw bar and it contacted the car on a tight turn, just the once though. Learned that lesson.

    • AnneThrope on 19/11/2021 - 20:44

      Thanks for the concern.

      The spare is close to the hitch so a toolbox behind that can be almost as wide as the tub, without obstruction.

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